Acetylcysteine Against Acute Renal Insult During Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether N-acetylcysteine is effective in the prophylaxis of post-cardiopulmonary bypass acute renal impairment.

BACKGROUND Reactive oxygen species have been shown to cause contrast-induced nephrotoxicity (CIN). According to previous studies, the N-acetylcysteine has been proved to be advantageous in the avoidance of CIN. We seek to evaluate the efficacy of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine in limiting the nephrotoxicity after cardiovascular surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

METHODS We will prospectively study 60 patients who will receive a cardiovascular surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either N-acetylcysteine (600 mg orally twice daily for 4 doses) with 0.45% saline intravenously, before and after cardiopulmonary bypass, or placebo with 0.45% saline. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen will be measured before, 48 h and 5 days after the operation procedure.

Expected results Prophylactic oral administration of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine, along with hydration, will significantly reduce the acute renal damage induced by CPB in patients with chronic renal insufficiency that need cardiovascular procedures.

• Cardiovascular Disease
• Renal Insufficiency, Acute
• Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients who will received cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Dialyzed patients
2. Acute renal failure
3. Advanced left ventricular systolic dysfunction defined as left ventricular ejection fraction ≦ 35%.
4. Acute chronic obstructive lung disease or asthma exacerbation
5. Allergy to N-acetylcysteine